3D Printing  

In a new book, futurist Christopher Barnatt explains how 3D printing works, overviews the 3D printing industry, interviews some of its pioneers, and highlights how 3D printing may help to save the planet.

The 3D Printing revolution is about to transform our lives according to futurist Christopher Barnatt. Pioneers are already 3D printing production tools, prototypes, jewelry, sunglasses, works of art, toys and vehicle parts. But this is just the beginning, with digital manufacturing destined to change how we create, transport and store a great many things.

Within a decade, some products may be downloaded from the Internet for printout in store or even at home. Already DIY enthusiasts are building their own 3D printers, while consumer models for the rest of us are just starting to arrive. Meanwhile doctors are learning how to 3D print kidneys and other replacement human organs.

In a new book, Barnatt explains how 3D printing works, overviews the 3D printing industry, interviews some of its pioneers, and highlights how 3D printing may help to save the planet. Also included is an extensive glossary of 3D printing terminology and a 3D printing directory.

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3D Printing: The Next Industrial Revolution explores the practicalities and potential of 3D printing today, as well as trying to realistically foresee the impact of 3D printing on the world of tomorrow. The book is written for a wide audience, including 3D printing enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, designers, investors, students, and indeed anybody who wants to be more informed about the next round of radical technological change.

Other key content includes a chapter on developments in digital manufacturing. This features interviews with a range of pioneering individuals and organizations who are already in the business of 3D printing final products or parts thereof. There are also chapters dedicated to 3D printing and sustainability, bioprinting, and personal fabrication.

Barnatt's 2012 book 25 Things You Need to Know about the Future was reviewed by The Futurist as "an exciting, yet realistic and believable, vision", and by New Scientist as "a worthwhile read for anyone curious to know what may await us".



SOURCE  Explaining The Future

By 33rd Square

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 Futurism  

Just as being a web page designer would be difficult to explain to someone 20 years ago, futurist Christopher Barnatt has come up with a list of jobs that may people may be working at in the future.

Futurist Christopher Barnatt of Explaining The Future provides a countdown of ten potential new employment possibilities.  Just as being a web page designer would be difficult to explain to someone 20 years ago, Barnatt has come up with a list of jobs that may people may be doing in the future.

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10. In Store 3D Fabricator - This job involves 3D printing objects on demand in a retail environment.  Current service bureau approaches with online ordering may be more likely.  Many also predict that 3D printers will be ubiquitious, and everyone will own them.  It may even be posible to 3D print all, or most of the 3D printer itself.  Arguably this job already exists.

9. Domestic Robotician - Someone who supplies and maintains domestic robos in the future may have this job.  Robot repairman at your service!

8. AI Trainer - Paging Dr. Chandra.  This occupation involves preparing 'young' artificial intelligence systems for real-world work in a decided field, and to become sentient.

7. Transhumanist Surgeon - This occupation involves extending people's bodies beyond current biological limits.  This may involve all of medicine, so it is not necessarily clear this would be just one profession.

Image Source: Explaining the Future - Copyright (c) Christopher Barnatt 2011

6. Nanobot Immune System Augmenter - For this job, closely related to number 7, the practice involves using nanobots to cure disease or otherwise augment patients.

5. Human DNA Programmer - Also similar to the previous two items, the DNA progammer cures disease and augments people by re-programming their DNA.

4. Cosmetic Bioprinter - Plastic surgery of the future may involve this cosmetic 3D printer that makes people look younger, or otherwise upgrades their appearance.

Image Source: Explaining the Future - Copyright (c) Christopher Barnatt 2011

3. Vertical Farmer - For future food production, farmers in high-rise structures may grow crops and raises animals to support an ever-increasing population.

2. Space Elevator Attendant - For many this technology for bringing people and cargo to orbit cannot come fast enough.

1. Climate Engineer - Why be a weather reporter, when you can actually cause the weather.  Geoengineering, according to Barnatt can be used to control global warming.

SOURCE  Explaining the Future

By 33rd Square

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